How to get my pup drinking more water?

[Balki & Ellie]

Today is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year here in Toronto. I have noticed over the last few months that my Ellie is not drinking enough water. I used to be filling up her bowl 3-4 times a day, and now we barely fill it up once.

Any tips on how to encourage her to drink more water and keep her hydrated especially during these hot summer days?

Thanks!

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

If you feed your doodle kibble, add some water to it. The kibble will soak up the water and most dogs like the soft texture of the food. It is worrisome when your dog doesn't drink enough. Good luck!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I haven't read the posts, so this might have been suggested.  When I was concerned that one of my dogs wasn't getting enough fluids, I added water to the kibble and made 'soup.'  The dog loved it.

[Christine & Camus]

Does Ellie like running water?  Camus has always preferred running water so I started carrying a water bottle for him when at the park and he loves it. 

[Balki & Ellie]

Great idea! I have noticed she loves to drink from the hose w

[Deborah Brown]

Does she like ice cubes?  I pretend like they are treats and throw them up in the air for the dogs to catch.  My dogs like catching just about anything.

I can't imagine a dog that won't drink if she gets thirsty enough.  However, since you are worried, try to keep her out of the heat.  We're having a week of 90 degreen temps and it is miserable.

[Itims]

I haven't read all of the suggestions here but we have a similar issue with Biba but off and on. Here are some of my notes/ideas:

- She stops drinking water if shes getting fewer pee breaks so I make sure that she has a break every 4-6 hours (even if she doesn't ask) 

- I also boil chicken and save the water and mix about 1/4 of a cup into her regular water to make her drink.

- I sometimes put 1/2 to 1 cup of water in her food. 

- She likes running water and will always drink from our hand shower in the bathroom

- We always have fresh water in a clean bowl available at close hand. We have a bowl in our bedroom and one in our kitchen/living area. 

I've heard that the rule is an ounce per pound of weight. Assuming an 8 oz cup, thats about 5 cups for a 40 pound dog. Thats the rule I work with and let Biba self-regulate the rest. 

[Mara, Sadie & Zoe]

Sadie likes her water in special containers that do not look like dog bowls. So she has her dog bowl of water which only drinks from if deperate or you get her "special" water and hold the dish for her, she also likes large glasses that look like people glasses.
If she could have her way she likes the to drink from the tub faucet second to that would be if someone happens to leave the toilet seat up.
The Honest Kitchen makes something called Ice Pups, you mix it with water and freeze it to make tasty cubes.